Another magnificent weave of literature, social science, and your eloquent authorship. This "the same intimate bonds that can trigger our deepest wounds also offer our greatest chance for healing" should be a statement that must legally be made by every minister conducting a marriage ceremony. And this description "The tension builds during their drive home, the confined space of the car making their opposing needs unbearable" was very evocative of some challenging memories. Can't imagine any modern day human unable to relate.
Thank you, Rick. I love your idea about that line being part of marriage ceremonies! It means a lot that the car scene connected with your own experiences—there's something so universal about those moments when physical and emotional space collide. Really appreciate your thoughtful reading.
Rachel, this is so well written that I added Revolutionary Road to my list for 2025. I try to limit the number of books with dark/depressing tones and I'm currently re-reading The Shining so this one may be later in the year. :-) In all sincerity, your post made me genuinely look forward to reading this book and a bit regretful I hadn't read it already. I couldn't believe that was Yates' first novel too. Impressive - his writing and yours. Keep 'em coming!
Thank you, Matt! I actually found 'Revolutionary Road' while researching the pursue-withdraw dance for this essay—it captures these relationship patterns so well. You're right, it can be heavy, but Yates's insights into human nature are incredible. Really appreciate your kind words, and hope you find it as fascinating as I did when you get to it.
Beautiful piece of writing Rachel....no surprise there! I think this should be required reading for any couple going to a marriage counselor seeking resolution, validation or most importantly, a biological explanation for their behavior towards each other.
I would love to read this book...putting it on my wish list! Thanks again for another insightful essay, love you girl!
Another magnificent weave of literature, social science, and your eloquent authorship. This "the same intimate bonds that can trigger our deepest wounds also offer our greatest chance for healing" should be a statement that must legally be made by every minister conducting a marriage ceremony. And this description "The tension builds during their drive home, the confined space of the car making their opposing needs unbearable" was very evocative of some challenging memories. Can't imagine any modern day human unable to relate.
Thank you, Rick. I love your idea about that line being part of marriage ceremonies! It means a lot that the car scene connected with your own experiences—there's something so universal about those moments when physical and emotional space collide. Really appreciate your thoughtful reading.
Rachel, this is so well written that I added Revolutionary Road to my list for 2025. I try to limit the number of books with dark/depressing tones and I'm currently re-reading The Shining so this one may be later in the year. :-) In all sincerity, your post made me genuinely look forward to reading this book and a bit regretful I hadn't read it already. I couldn't believe that was Yates' first novel too. Impressive - his writing and yours. Keep 'em coming!
Thank you, Matt! I actually found 'Revolutionary Road' while researching the pursue-withdraw dance for this essay—it captures these relationship patterns so well. You're right, it can be heavy, but Yates's insights into human nature are incredible. Really appreciate your kind words, and hope you find it as fascinating as I did when you get to it.
Beautiful piece of writing Rachel....no surprise there! I think this should be required reading for any couple going to a marriage counselor seeking resolution, validation or most importantly, a biological explanation for their behavior towards each other.
I would love to read this book...putting it on my wish list! Thanks again for another insightful essay, love you girl!
Thanks, Mom ◡̈ I definitely recommend the novel, it was a great read!
You make the characters so real and relatable. Another beautiful piece.
Thank you, Zoe. That means a lot—I wanted these characters and their struggles to feel real and recognizable.